**NICOSIA, Cyprus** – Vehicle owners across Cyprus are being reminded that the annual road tax renewal period for 2026 is now underway, with a stringent deadline of March 11th. However, a significant number of motorists are encountering an unexpected hurdle: an inability to complete the renewal process due to unresolved issues concerning faulty Takata airbags. The Road Transport Department (RTD) has indicated that approximately 11,000 vehicles are currently ineligible for their essential road tax, a situation directly linked to outstanding airbag recall notifications.
The online-only renewal system, which commenced on January 7th, allows for payments in three, six, nine, or twelve-month increments. Crucially, the process mandates a valid certificate of roadworthiness and active insurance coverage. Yet, the underlying issue for the affected 11,000 vehicles lies in their non-compliance with mandatory airbag replacements. The RTD has implemented a policy whereby vehicles identified as containing potentially defective Takata airbags are barred from renewing their road tax until the safety defect is rectified and the vehicle has undergone a subsequent inspection.
This policy stems from a broader safety initiative aimed at ensuring all vehicles on Cypriot roads meet essential safety standards. The RTD has been actively engaging with vehicle owners regarding the Takata airbag recalls, a process that has been ongoing for some time. Initially, around 100,500 vehicles were designated for these airbag replacements. While the majority have complied, a persistent backlog remains. As of recent figures, approximately 7,000 vehicles from an announcement in February 2025 still await their replacements. Furthermore, an additional 19,500 vehicles were added to the recall list after February 2025, with 4,000 of these yet to have the necessary work completed.
A critical aspect of this situation is the expiration of an eight-month grace period provided for recall notifications. For vehicles where this timeframe has elapsed without the airbag replacement being undertaken, the RTD’s system now flags them as ineligible for road tax renewal. This effectively renders these vehicles legally unable to be on the road until the safety issue is addressed. Constantinos Kouppis, an RTD Officer, emphasised the inflexibility of the deadline, stating, "No extension will be given, as this is not provided for in the legislation." He further elaborated on the ongoing nature of the recall process, noting, "We stand at 90 per cent of implementation. It is a dynamic process, as more vehicles are being continually added for recalls."
The implications of missing the March 11th deadline are significant. Motorists who fail to renew their road tax will be subject to surcharges, commencing with an additional €10 coupled with 10% of the annual registration fee. This financial penalty underscores the department's commitment to timely compliance. The RTD clarifies that the renewal process is considered officially complete only upon reaching the "Print Registration Licence" screen. For individuals experiencing difficulties or requiring direct assistance, the department advises visiting RTD district offices or Citizen Service Centres in person.
An additional concern for vehicle owners is the status of vehicles that were not renewed or were declared immobilised in 2025. These vehicles risk being removed from the RTD register unless outstanding fees are settled and the 2026 licence is secured by the impending deadline. Those who do not intend to renew their road tax for the current year are strongly urged to formally declare their vehicle immobilised through the online portal to avert continuous circulation fee obligations. The RTD anticipates a considerable volume of renewals, with an estimated 750,000 vehicles expected to complete the process, and is warning against a last-minute rush which could lead to system congestion.